CV

Will Hinchman

Engineering Leader•Backend & IoT Architect•Mobile & Web Innovator

Proven engineering leader with extensive expertise architecting high-performance backend systems, IoT infrastructures, and consumer-facing mobile/web applications. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams and scaling innovative software solutions, resulting in substantial improvements in customer satisfaction, product reliability, and operational efficiency. Excels in startup environments, delivering impactful outcomes through clear technical vision and effective collaboration.

Professional Experience

Staff Engineer

Terra Kaffe

  • Led engineering strategy, managing 3 contract agencies across mobile, Shopify storefront, and hardware integration.
  • Architected and developed scalable backend microservices using Node.js/.NET across AWS and Azure, supporting growth from 1,000 to 30,000+ IoT espresso machines.
  • Improved system uptime to 99.9%+, reduced backend costs by ~30%, and decreased peak latency by 60% (from > 500ms to ~200ms).
  • Elevated mobile app ratings from 2.5 to 4 stars, directly driving a 20% increase in subscription revenue.
  • Developed robust event-driven infrastructure with custom MQTT brokers and AWS SQS message lanes, enabling real-time and priority-based IoT communication.

Staff Engineer

Dolby Laboratories

  • Led cross-functional team of 5 (Android/iOS/backend) in developing advanced streaming video technology using Rust and GCP infrastructure.
  • Created proprietary video streaming algorithm across multiple CDNs, achieving a 40% reduction in latency and a 30% improvement in QoS metrics during trials with streaming platforms (500,000+ peak active users).
  • Designed and implemented specialized CI/CD pipelines for automated video-stream testing, integrating Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Docker, Kubernetes, and custom Rust APIs.

Lead Developer

Detroit Labs

  • Architected scalable mobile and backend REST APIs for connected automotive and energy applications, including remote vehicle control, infotainment systems, and energy management solutions.
  • Led the development of automotive IoT solutions, including Bluetooth-enabled remote vehicle control applications for General Motors (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, GMC) and in-car infotainment system integrations.
  • Delivered innovative mobile apps for major clients like DTE Energy, enhancing user experience for billing, outage management, and energy tracking.
  • Mentored junior developers, resulting in their promotions to senior roles, with mentees advancing to leadership positions at NYT Games and Square.

Senior Embedded Systems Developer

Detroit Labs

  • Developed innovative Bluetooth-connected embedded firmware solutions for automotive clients including Volkswagen and KIA, enhancing integration with custom mobile applications.
  • Designed and implemented high-performance firmware for automotive-grade connectivity and communication, improving reliability and functionality of connected vehicle systems.

Consulting Experience

Subject Matter Expert | Human Machine Interfaces

  • Next generation Human Machine Interface design team for a “Large Automotive Manufacturer”.

Subject Matter Expert | BlueToothe Connectivity

  • Led team in designing and architecting system to add iOS features to fleet vehicles.

Engineering Consultant | Kaiser Permanente

  • Building prototype hardware using depth recognition cameras and custom hardware in austism assement and therapy.

Consulting Engineer | University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

  • Building prototype hardware for hands free MRI and X-Ray viewing in surgical suites.

Select Project Highlights

Terra Kaffe TK-02

  • Cloud-connected espresso machine scaling to 30,000+ units.

Dolby xCD Streaming SDK

  • Low-latency, CDN-distributed HTTP video streaming platform.

DTE Energy Mobile Application

  • Mobile app enabling energy management, bill payments, and outage reporting.

General Motors HMI

  • Embedded JavaScript and firmware for vehicle infotainment systems.

My GM (Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac/Corvette)

  • Multi-branded mobile app with bluetooth, wifi, and cloud connectivity to interact with GM Vehicles.